Bostonian Bus Buddy

Boston is such a fabulous city, so walkable and so easy to ask for directions. Last night I was transfixed on filming the full moon illuminating history in places like the Boston Commons, Beacon Hill and Granary Burial Ground. In fact, I missed chow time and reluctantly swallowed a Quarter Pounder whole courtesy of a walk-up window at Mickey D’s. You’d think a city this big, especially restaurants in the North End, would cater to night owls on empty stomachs but I found that Irish beer and a game of billiards is the only substance offered after midnight.

Today, I didn’t let the sunshine distract me from finding food at a wonderful little colonial gem on the Wharf. Having wrapped on 4 days of video assignments I wallowed away in a tall cup of New England Clam Chowder without greasy fries. But following a late lunch it was time to board the Red Line outbound for Alewife Station and then hop the #62 Bus to Lexington. I had it mapped out and was ready for an adventure using public transportation. In Boston public transportation is the best way to get to know the locals and save precious parking fines.

On the bus I met Richie, a self-described ‘good samaritan’ in his early fifties who once saved 2 kids from being abducted. “When I saw this big guy trying to take those kids, I jumped on him and wrestled him to the ground”, said Richie. “And ever since then I’ve tried to help anyway I can”. Then Richie pulls out a phone card for 10 minutes of free airtime and hands it to me. “Here, I want you to have this”.

“Oh, your very kind Richie but give it to someone who doesn’t have a cell phone”, I request. He tucks the phone card back in his satchel and goes on to recount some of his life’s stories and opinions on war in a muted Boston accent. I can tell he’s slightly tormented by his short time in the Army and admits that he doesn’t talk much about it.

“Do you know that angels are among us?” asks Richie. I knod softly knowing that my new VA Hospital friend is about to confess some deep thoughts and I’m undoubtedly going to miss my stop because of it. And I do. I stay onboard to the end of the busline because Richie is an interesting guy and even if what he’s telling me has nothing to do with Boston, I like a friendly face with interesting tales to tell. He too appreciated the company and bid me farewell with a hug and a worn out black ink pen hopeful to see my name in movie credits one day or better yet back on the bus tomorrow….